I haven't posted in a while as I have been totally engrossed in this read. It is the trilogy which includes "The Golden Compass". On several levels it is a fascinating story. The author draws from the theory of relativity, quantum physics, and string theory in developing the story. On the other hand he promotes an atheists world view.
The style is quite similar to C.S. Lewis, "The Chronicles of Narnia". It is a children's story on one level, and it is layered with metaphors on another, and is brazenly atheistic on another. (Of course Lewis promotes a Christian world view in the Chronicles.)
I heard the movie was not that great. I think I'll skip it.